A man trying to break into Brazil’s Supreme Court building detonated two explosions before killing himself outside the building.

In a shocking incident that sent shockwaves through Brazil’s capital, a man trying to break into the Supreme Court building in Brasilia detonated two explosions before killing himself outside the building on Wednesday night. The explosions, which occurred at around 7.30pm after the Court session ended, forced judges and staff to evacuate the building, although all were confirmed safe. Authorities are now investigating the incident to uncover details about the suspect, his motives and the wider security implications.

The suspect detonates explosives in the Supreme Court area

The two explosions rocked the Three Powers Plaza, a center of Brazil’s political landscape, home to the Supreme Court, Congress and the presidential palace. Local firefighters confirmed that a man died at the scene, but did not release his identity. According to Celina Leão, lieutenant governor of Brazil’s federal district, the suspect first detonated explosives in a vehicle parked at Congress. Fortunately, the initial blast caused no injuries, although it did immediately set off security alarms.

Describing the sequence of events, Leão explained: “His first action was to blow up the car. He then approached the Supreme Court and tried to enter the building. It failed and then there were the other explosions.” The suspect’s attempt to enter the Supreme Court building failed, but the subsequent explosions prompted authorities to tighten security in the area.

Link to Former President’s Party?

Brazilian media sources reported that the car used in the initial explosion is owned by a member of the Liberal Party, the same political party as former President Jair Bolsonaro. However, Leão indicated that only further investigation would confirm if the owner of the vehicle was the man who died in the explosions.

In response to the incident, Leão suggested that Congress temporarily close its doors to ensure safety, a recommendation that Brazil’s Senate promptly adopted. The lower house also heeded her advice, adjourning until noon the next day. “It could have been a lone wolf, like others I’ve seen around the world,” Leão said. “We are treating this as a suicide as there was only one victim, but inquiries will show whether this was indeed the case.”

Forensic analysis to confirm identity

Subsequent explosions left the suspect’s body outside the Supreme Court for several hours. Authorities said forensic teams would be responsible for confirming the identity of the deceased. Leão clarified that only the forensic analysis could establish definitive information about the suspect, who allegedly acted alone.

In a quick response to the explosions, security forces blocked all access to the Supreme Court and surrounding buildings, while the presidential security office carried out a thorough clearing of the grounds near the presidential palace. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was not in the presidential palace at the time of the incident, was meeting at his official residence with Federal Police Chief Andrei Rodrigues and Supreme Court Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Cristiano Zanin.

A recent increase in threats against Brazil’s Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has been a recent target for threats, particularly from far-right factions and supporters of former President Bolsonaro, who have voiced strong opposition to the Court’s efforts to curb disinformation. Judge Alexandre de Moraes, in particular, has been a focal point for these criticisms due to his proactive stance in combating the spread of false information.

As the investigation continues, Brazil’s federal police have yet to release an official motive, although the incident underscored the growing tension between the country’s political factions. Leão confirmed that all relevant security agencies are working together to examine the evidence at the scene and clarify the motivations behind the attack.